The tender process was followed to source franchised brands for most of the camps in the Kruger National Park. SANParks is of the view that the standards enforced by the franchisor will ensure that product range, quality and service of the dining product will improve vastly (in line with what is offered at similar brands outside National Parks). SANParks is currently in discussions with the current operator and the new operators to determine the handover processes and dates. Preliminary discussions showed that it might be best to do the handover in January and February 2014 as the park is least busy over this period. However, more details will be made available once the discussions are concluded.

To ensure quality and consistency the franchise holders should be kept to a certain standard with spot checks (incognito) being made on a regular basis.

If the food and/or service is found to be continually below acceptable standards (Hey we all have bad days) then the franchise holder could actually lose the franchise - this would keep them on their toes and make sure that the staff is properly trained and instructed in customer service.

Prices should also be reasonable - I have been in business for many years and have always found that if you offer quality at an acceptable price you will attract a lot more customers and therefore make up for what you might lose by charging exorbitant prices.

Saraf, 100% behind you on the vegetarian option. Although I do eat meat, I often just feel like a meatless meal. There are also a lot more different cultural/religious groups visiting and they need to be considered.

The bird doesn't sing because it has answers, it sings because it has a song.

From what the current manager said when we spoke earlier this year, this restaurant will remain as it is for the foreseeable future, as it had recently gone under new management, and was not part of "Compass" anymore.

The changes will happen at the other restaurants, throughout the park.

saraf wrote:For us foreigners, could someone give a brief overview of these uniquely SA brands? I don't think I've used a M&B and the Wimpy you have are not quite the same as the Wimpy's here in the UK?

The above is just a small sample of the meals on their current menu, which you can find on the internet.

Wimpy is a fast food chain. I cannot complain too much about the quality of their food, although it is not nearly as great as that of M&B in my opinion. I actually like to have a Wimpy toasted sarmie and the legendary Wimpy coffee while on the road. The menu is dominated by the typical breakfast foods and things like cheese burger, Wimpy burger, toasted sarmies with various fillings (all available on their own or with chips); a couple of more "healthy" meals in the form of fish and salad or chicken breasts and salad, calamari salad. Thus much less variety and not nearly the same eating experience as at M&B. It's were I'll buy a take-away toasted sarmie to eat in the car while out driving, looking for nice sightings

Of course, it is likely that the whole M&B menu will not be available at KNP, and they may even make a few dishes specially designed for the Park

Currently and in the past , you never knew what you would get on your plate Now with these new franchises , you should have no doubt what you will get on your plate. I am sure there will be a major improvement for those of you who do not self cater all the time like I do.I must say that I think I might be tempted to try a meal or to, when I am next there. I say , lets give them all a fair chance to produce the goods We all still have the option of self catering for those who do not like these particular franchises. With the strict quality controls the franchisor's hold on these restaurant owners, its will be a case of " do it our way, to our standards or move along"

Isn't it just amazing how potatoes give us fries and vodka? The rest of the vegetables should get their act together

Congratulations SANParks on your choices of restaurants/restauranteers . I'm pleased to see that one of my favourites has been include. No names as I do not want to start a frenzy as to which is better than which.

Well I think it is a positive move - even Wimpy is a huge improvement on what is being dished up at some of the camps at the moment. Actually it s not just about the food - the attitude at some camp restaurants leaves a lot to be desired. Hopefully the big franchises will sort that out. The extra litter load concerns me a bit with take-aways especially but its all about education isn't it.I say well done Sanparks - a move in the right direction.

I also think this is a positive move. The smaller independent contractors have not been providing service delivery of an acceptable quality. I trust these larger franchises will be held accountable for providing quality service. Also, it provides customers with a wider choice - a welcome move. I trust the design of the facilities will be in keeping with the general atmosphere of the park.

I feel we have all been complaining about the food and service at the restaurants, at least Sanparks have done something positive, anything would be an improvementMugg & Bean and Wimpy together offer a variety of dishes which should satisfy most peoples needs, much better than the food that is currently on offer I think.Let's embrace the changes and give these new restaurants a fair chance

Those who have no love in there hearts for animals, have no love in there hearts at all